Picture this: a golden summer sunset, a gentle breeze, and the kind of track that makes you close your eyes and just feel. That’s the magic of Iman Hanzo’s debut single “Phakama,” dropped on June 27, 2025, via Warner Music. This Afro-deep-house gem is more than just a song—it’s a spiritual journey wrapped in organic grooves and euphoric melodies. If you’re into tribal house, Afro house, or deep house vibes, this one’s about to become your go-to. Let’s dive into why “Phakama” is the anthem we all need this summer and why Iman Hanzo is a name you’ll be hearing everywhere.
A Soulful Rise with “Phakama”
“Phakama,” meaning “rise” in Zulu, is a meditative celebration of resilience and inner growth. From the moment you hit play, you’re pulled into a world of hypnotic African vocal chants, lush percussion, and a bassline that feels like a heartbeat. It’s the kind of track that’s perfect for a beach party or a quiet moment of reflection—it’s versatile, emotional, and deeply moving. Iman’s production is meticulous, blending tribal rhythms with deep house’s smooth textures and a touch of tropical house’s sunny warmth. The result? A sound that’s both grounding and uplifting, like a musical hug from the universe.
What makes “Phakama” stand out is its authenticity. Iman Hanzo draws from his spiritual travels across Egypt, China, Iceland, and beyond, infusing the track with a global, almost nomadic energy. You can hear the influence of those transformative experiences in the organic grooves and the way the melodies seem to soar. The vocals, rich with African soul, carry a message of quiet triumph—perfect for anyone who’s been through the wringer and come out stronger. And let’s talk about that cover art: a serene photo of Iman in Hamburg’s Stadtpark, snapped six years ago, perfectly captures the track’s inner calm. It’s a visual and sonic reminder to pause, breathe, and rise.
Who Is Iman Hanzo?
Hailing from Hamburg, Germany, Iman Hanzo is a visionary DJ and producer who’s quickly carving out a space in the global electronic music scene. His sound—a blend of Afro house, deep house, and melodic house—is raw, soulful, and impossible to ignore. After dropping his conceptual debut album Clouds in 2024, Iman’s 2025 is off to a massive start with “Phakama.” This single marks his first release with Warner Music, and it’s clear he’s ready to take things to the next level.
Iman’s music isn’t just about making you dance (though it will get you moving). It’s about connection, storytelling, and transformation. He describes “Phakama” as a call to dignity, courage, and movement—music that “hits the body but leads the heart.” And he’s not stopping with this single. On July 12, Iman’s launching The Triangle, his very own festival in Hamburg, featuring heavy-hitters like Claptone, Jaden Bojsen, and WITH U. If “Phakama” is any indication, this event is going to be a spiritual and sonic experience like no other.
Why “Phakama” Is a Game-Changer
Afro house is having a moment right now, with artists like Black Coffee and Keinemusik dominating festival lineups and streaming playlists. Iman Hanzo fits right into this wave, but he’s doing it with a unique spin. His blend of tribal, deep, and tropical house elements makes “Phakama” accessible to a wide audience—whether you’re a die-hard house head or just someone who loves a good summer vibe. The track’s spiritual depth also taps into a growing trend in electronic music: listeners craving meaning and emotion, not just beats.
Stream “Phakama” on your favorite platform, and you’ll see why it’s already making waves. It’s the kind of song that feels like it was made for those perfect summer days—whether you’re dancing at a festival or chilling with friends. With Iman’s growing global presence and his festival on the horizon, this is just the beginning for him.
Get Your Music Out There with DistroKid
If you’re an artist inspired by Iman Hanzo’s rise, now’s the time to get your own music out into the world. Platforms like DistroKid make it easy to distribute your tracks to Spotify, Apple Music, and more, so you can focus on creating. Plus, you can save 7% on your membership with this link: DistroKid VIP. It’s a small step that could lead to big things, just like Iman’s journey with “Phakama.”
So, what do you think of “Phakama”? Is it your vibe? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let’s chat about this soulful banger. And don’t forget to share this post with your music-loving crew—let’s spread the word about Iman Hanzo’s rise!
